The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shafak, a book about Turks and Armenians, is reviewed here. The article talks about, and compares, Turkish authors Orhan Pamuk and Eli Shafak. Shafak, a woman still in her 30s, has also been much in the spotlight due to her controversial subject matter and stance. Unlike Pamuk, whose work truly is worthy of critical acclaim, Shafak is young and the attention, it seems, is more because of the issue than because of the quality of her work - however, we'll give her time. I'm still interested in reading the book.
When I was reading about the Sundance Film Festival (where a documentary called The Bible Tells Me So, featuring Gene Robinson and several other gay individuals, is being premiered) I also noticed the presence of a new animated film based on the graphic novel Persepolis by the expatriate Iranian writer/illustrator Marjane Satrapi. Looking around on the web, I found this Salon interview with Satrapi - it's from 2005, with insights into Iranian and American culture that I think will surprise you.
Beth: the Salon article link takes you to the Trib Shafak review, FYI...
I'm pleased to hear that Persepolis has been animated: I think it's brilliant. I was in our local Iranian hole-in-the-wall on Thursday, musing with the owner about things, one of which was the appalling commentary by ABC during the Iran-Mexico match during the World Cup, showing a total ignorance of just about everything (not just the soccer, which is a given).
Posted by: Pica | January 27, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Beth, thanks for mentioning the Satrapi amimated film. I certainly will see it as soon as it comes round here. I'd heard that it was going to be made but didn't realise it was so far advanced. I love Marjane Satrapi's work feel a strong kinship with her and have all her books, including the latest "Chicken with plums" which is wonderful.
Posted by: Natalie | January 27, 2007 at 04:24 PM
I heard a small jewel of a radio programme last night: Orhan Pamuk's translator Maureen Freely interviewing Pamuk, Elif Shafak and others about the effect of extreme nationalism on the Turkish language - mind-boggling; I had no idea. It at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/sundayfeature/pip/z0lvz/ and will be on line for bbc radio's usual seven days from date of transmission, 28 January.
Posted by: Jean | January 29, 2007 at 05:17 AM